Modern Golf Balls Are All About Science

Have you ever wondered what’s inside a golf ball or why it has dimples? Wired explains just what a golf ball is made of and why it looks like it does.

Video Summary

A golf ball doesn’t seem like cutting edge technology, but a lot of science goes into making one. The dimpled shell of a golf ball is made from polyurethane elastomer. The dimples help to give the ball lift and accuracy while remaining elastic. Beneath the dimpled shell are a number of materials, including zinc oxide, used to fill the ball, and polybutadaine, a substance that is rubbery and has “memory” so the ball goes back to its shape after being hit. Even the bright color of a golf ball can be created by a polymer, like masterbatch red.